IL Art Therapy License Research and Development Timeline
This timeline is being updated continuously as information becomes available
Background:
In Fall 2022 IL Counseling Association began lobbying to join the Counseling Compact. While we all agree to the many benefits of the counseling compact, a unique situation must be considered for art therapists. Joining the compact means if there are changes in the future to educational requirements, future IL art therapists could be impacted along with our educational programs.
This is specifically related to if CACREP accreditation becomes the standard for states who have joined the compact. Currently, all three art therapy master's programs in IL are CAAHEP accredited, not CACREP accredited.
Having our own license creates a pathway to protect the future of art therapy in our state who received their master's degree IL. If IL counselors joins the counseling compact and if educational requirements change to CACREP as a result at any point in the future.
While these are only possibilities, IATA believes we need to be proactive which is why we are considering and assessing the possibility of an art therapy license in IL.
January 2022 Meeting summary:
Tyler Kirby, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at AATA and Amber (IATA president)discusses the current landscape of art therapy licensure and its potential challenges in light of the interstate counseling compact, which aims to standardize licensure requirements across states.
It mentions that 39 of the 50 states currently license art therapists under various counselor designations. The compact could restrict art therapists from practicing if their programs are not CACREP accredited, which may affect non-CACREP-approved art therapy programs.
The note highlights concerns about the impact on future generations of art therapists and suggests that Illinois might join the compact by 2024. The note also references examples of licensure models in different states, emphasizing the need for insurance reimbursement provisions. It outlines the steps for advocacy, including educating government officials and building a support system, with assistance from Tyler Kirby, the AATA licensure liaison. The note ends with information on upcoming meetings and the potential challenges in the legislative process.
September 2022
At the Assembly of Chapters Meeting (AOC), AATA expresses concern after Florida legislation passes HB566 amending minimum education requirements & requiring applicants to graduate from a CACREP or COAMFTE program.
IATA board begins exploring the idea of an art therapy license at the September Chapter meeting.
IATA board speaks with one of our graduate programs about the AT license. The conversation focused on the school's questions, thoughts, and concerns.
January 2023
Tyler Kirby, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at AATA speaks with IATA at Chapter Meeting to discuss AT license and answer questions IL art therapists may have.
IATA meets with Pennsylvania Chapter to learn about their experience related to licensing.
Early 2023 Meeting Summary: The discussion revolves around several important topics related to art therapy licensure and the role of AATA (American Art Therapy Association) in supporting the effort. Participants express a need for comprehensive data on states that have successfully passed art therapy licensure legislation and inquire whether licensure can protect educational institutions from requiring CACREP accreditation. There is discussion about the impact of licensure on art therapists in different settings, the potential for portability across states, the administration of licensure tests, and the desire for a report comparing licensure states to those with umbrella licensing. The conversation also delves into the financial implications of licensure, AATA's role in protecting art therapists in future legislation, and the connection between AATA and ACATE. Questions are raised about Medicare and Medicaid coverage, the risk of CACREP overseeing counseling programs in Illinois, and the benefits of licensure beyond title protection. The discussion underscores the need for support and understanding of the licensure process, and it concludes with a call for a meeting to ensure alignment on the path forward.
March 2023
Tyler Kirby, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at AATA speaks with IATA at Chapter Meeting to discuss AT license and answer questions IL art therapists may have.
Meeting with art therapists from Maryland(MD) on March 6th, 2023, focused on the Maryland art therapy licensure process. Key points discussed included the need to clarify language related to "AATA-approved programs" and the challenges faced by art therapists in obtaining licenses in Maryland. The group emphasized the importance of achieving a gold standard for art therapy licensure, aligning with the scope of practice of MFTs and LPCs, and securing insurance reimbursement recognition. They highlighted the significance of engaging with state legislatures, particularly those overseeing governing boards, to advance licensure bills, and recommended framing discussions around expanding mental health services and emphasizing the benefits of art therapy. The group also suggested reaching out to the governor's office and considering simultaneous amendments for Medicare inclusion. Additionally, they stressed the importance of education and knowledge dissemination about art therapy and the need to establish industry standards, education criteria, and title protection to boost the profession's viability and job prospects. The meeting participants emphasized the positive impact of licensure on employment opportunities and salaries for art therapists. Finally, they encouraged ongoing revision and amendment of licensure requirements as needed.IATA meets with Pennsylvania Chapter to learn about their experience related to licensing.
April 2023
Spoke with Mary Andrus to learn about her experience related to licensing in Oregon. Erin Mooney-Simkus joins IATA board as Government Affairs Chair
Meeting with Oregon (OR) April 2023
This discussion highlights the journey toward art therapy licensure in Oregon, shedding light on the process and challenges faced. Initially passed in 2017 but delayed until 2019 due to necessary adjustments, the effort gained momentum with the involvement of someone experienced in legislation. Key strategies included community support through letter campaigns involving stakeholders beyond art therapists, identification of sponsors in both the House and Senate, engagement with lobbyists, and testimony at the capitol. Challenges included addressing concerns from psychologists and state hospitals. Lessons from this experience included having a designated point person, consulting with other states, and considering differences between ATR and LCPC requirements. Additionally, potential barriers in Illinois were discussed, including facilities using art in treatment without art therapists. The licensure's positive impact included increased job opportunities and better pay for art therapists, leading to the creation of more art therapy positions in various organizations. The conversation also touched on the importance of involving schools, engaging with mental health committees, and seeking support from IDFPR. Lastly, the need to define roles and responsibilities within a work group and the potential benefits of not adhering to CACREP standards were discussed, along with the overall growth and recognition of art therapy as a profession.
May 2023
Erin & Amber speak with another graduate program. Erin, Amber, & Tyler Kirby meet to discuss the process of pursing an AT license.
May 2023 meeting attended by Erin Mooney-Simkus (GAC), Tyler Kirby (Policy & Public Affairs), and Amber Przybyla (President) discussing the importance of the Art Therapy (AT) license and its implications for art therapists. They mention the process of getting grandfathered into the AT license and how a letter of endorsement is crucial. The conversation also raises concerns about the potential impact of the counseling compact, especially the requirement for programs to be CACREP accredited, which may affect future generations of art therapists. The discussion touches upon the potential inclusion of insurance reimbursement in the initial legislation and the importance of AATA's communication with the public and schools. Tyler Kirby offers to draft legislation and provide information to facilitate the process, emphasizing the need to involve schools, share impact experiences, and find sponsors for the cause.
June 2023
IATA sends out Art Therapy License survey for IL art therapist to share thoughts, questions, and concerns regarding possible art therapy license.
July 2023
Based on our survey results Erin is researching if IL is able to legislate insurance reimbursement into initial legislation. Amber is also researching how much money an individual could save with an art therapy license compared to what we have now. Once Erin and Amber have more information this will be shared with everyone.
August 2023
Illinois Governor Pritzker signed The Mental Health and Wellness Act (HB2847). The legislation requires most private insurance plans in Illinois to cover an annual mental health and wellness visit to a mental health professional at no cost to the insured, beginning in 2025. Rep. Lindsey LaPointe and Sen. Laura Fine championed the bill in the General Assembly.
HB2847 will make a significant positive impact for the people of Illinois. This piece of legislation requires insurance providers to cover 100% of the cost of mental health prevention and wellness visits. This means no co-pays, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing requirements. A mental health prevention appointment is defined as a separate appointment from a person’s yearly physical or wellness exam. As defined in the legislation, these appointments can be performed by licensed clinical psychologists, a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, or a licensed professional counselor.
While this legislation is a positive step forward in mental health treatment, art therapy continues to not be recognized for its clinical importance in mental health prevention. Some may say, well art therapists hold a clinical license and while that is true, art therapy continues to not be represented in the mental health field and legislation as a separate, viable, and successful treatment for mental health disorders. Additionally, HB2847 does not remove barriers for individuals who continue to be recommended for art therapy services but cannot receive them due to lack of insurance coverage for art therapy specific treatment.
Illinois not having an independent license means we do not have the same representation as other clinicians in legislation. This lack of representation continues to reinforce that art therapy is less than other forms of mental health treatment which we all know is inaccurate. If Illinois art therapists had an independent license, then we can advocate for amendments to legislation like HB2847 and similar legislation in IL that mandates minimum insurance coverage for mental health treatment. Having representation in legislation that art therapy is a separate form of treatment for mental health disorders could also help increase people’s awareness, knowledge, and access to art therapy.
HB2847 is an important reminder; Illinois continues to make timely, impactful and systemic changes to mental health access but some art therapists and their clients continue to not be able to access these benefits due to art therapists not having an independent license.
This bill, in addition to House Bill 2595 requires medically necessary mental healthcare to be covered by insurance beginning January 1, 2023.
According to House Bill 2595:
"Each insured that is covered for mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders or conditions shall be free to select the physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches, licensed clinical psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed speech-language pathologist, or other licensed or certified professional at a program licensed pursuant to the Substance Use Disorder Act of his or her choice to treat such disorders, and the insurer shall pay the covered charges of such
physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches,"
November 2023
Dan Stasi with the Coalition of Illinois Counselors Organizations (CICO) shared that the IDFPR has submitted legislation that will make changes to educational and licensing requirements for LPC/LCPC's.
The most significant changes are highlighted below:
1. Schools need to be 60 credit hours. This only applies to new applicants after July 1, 2026, not current license holders.
2. Dan confirmed that regarding courses--- as long as a class is teaching the curriculum outlined in the legislation and not solely art therapy the courses should be fine. However, this puts the burden on the schools to clearly define how their programs meet the requirements set forth by the state in their syllabus and course descriptions.
As of October 2024, Dan was able to confirm the COMPACT has no intention to require a CACREP degree.
Illinois Art Therapy Association published charts comparing the art therapy profession and the counseling profession in Illinois. Check out the charts on this page by clicking here:http://www.illinoisarttherapy.org/at-vs-counseling-in-il.html
www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=112&GA=103&DocTypeId=HB&DocNum=5019&GAID=17&LegID=152987&SpecSess=&Session=December 2023
IATA have been working with Meredith Ashley, Policy & Communications Coordinator for the American Art Therapy Association on drafting legislation for the Illinois Art Therapy License to develop a pathway to licensure in Illinois for current and prospective art therapists. The draft legislation once complete will be submitted to the Legislative Reference Bureau(LRB) in early January. We will then work with LRB to ensure our legislation complies with current laws in Illinois. We will then continue to work with the State Representative Janet Yang Rohr's office to develop support for the bill and gather testimony in the event we are called to testify on behalf of the bill submission.
January 2024
we submitted our proposed legislation to the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) and received the LRB’s recommendations. The LRB’s primary task is the drafting and preparation of legislation and to ensure compliance with other existing legislation. Nonpartisan attorneys who work at the LRB provide legal advice and assist in drafting legislation. The LRB has a computer database known as the General Assembly Web site where anyone can review legislation. After reviewing the LRB’s draft, IATA has time to review recommended changes, ask clarifying questions and request additional changes if we do not agree with the LRB’s recommendations. IATA has until February 2, 2024 to request edits and ask questions. On February 9th, Representative Janet Yang Rohr’s office will submit the completed legislation.
Reference: https://ilga.gov/commission/lrb/lrbabout.htm
February 2024
IATA has submitted The Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act (HB 5019) to the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) and received the LRB’s recommendations. The LRB’s primary task is the drafting and preparation of legislation. Additionally, the LRB ensures compliance with other existing legislation. Nonpartisan attorneys who work at the LRB provide legal advice and assist in drafting legislation. After reviewing the LRB’s draft, IATA had time to review recommended changes, ask clarifying questions, and request additional changes. IATA submitted questions and edits on February 2, 2024. The LRB reviewed the proposed edits and made the approved changes to The Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act. On February 9th, Representative Janet Yang Rohr’s office submitted the completed proposal which will make The Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act viewable to the public. You can read the full Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act (HB 5019)
You can read the full Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act (HB 5019) here.
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=112&GA=103&DocTypeId=HB&DocNum=5019&GAID=17&LegID=152987&SpecSess=&Session=
On February 27,2024 AATA Policy & Communications Coordinator, Meredith Ashley reached out to the House Rules Committee. The House Rules Committee is responsible for assigning bills to a committee for review. Our goal now is to communicate to the House Rules Committee the importance of assigning HB 5019 to a committee. If HB 5019 is not assigned to a committee, then the bill does not move forward and IATA would have to wait until the 2025 legislative cycle to resubmit our bill.
IATA is in the process of collecting statements of support for HB 5019 and testimony of individuals who have seen first hand how impactful and effective art therapy is. If you or someone you know is willing to share a statement of support or testimony please fill out this form here.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIdjdfd0KxRcZibt2OLf6QovUzn1wWEUulw_d4lx1YK_q_Lg/viewform
IATA wants to thank Erick Deshaun Dorris, Director of Community Organization at Arts Alliance IL and Arts Alliance for their support of the Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act (HB 5019). We are deeply grateful for your support of independent licensing for art therapists.
IATA have been working with Meredith Ashley, Policy & Communications Coordinator for the American Art Therapy Association on drafting legislation for the Illinois Art Therapy License to develop a pathway to licensure in Illinois for current and prospective art therapists. The draft legislation once complete will be submitted to the Legislative Reference Bureau(LRB) in early January. We will then work with LRB to ensure our legislation complies with current laws in Illinois. We will then continue to work with the State Representative Janet Yang Rohr's office to develop support for the bill and gather testimony in the event we are called to testify on behalf of the bill submission.
January 2024
we submitted our proposed legislation to the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) and received the LRB’s recommendations. The LRB’s primary task is the drafting and preparation of legislation and to ensure compliance with other existing legislation. Nonpartisan attorneys who work at the LRB provide legal advice and assist in drafting legislation. The LRB has a computer database known as the General Assembly Web site where anyone can review legislation. After reviewing the LRB’s draft, IATA has time to review recommended changes, ask clarifying questions and request additional changes if we do not agree with the LRB’s recommendations. IATA has until February 2, 2024 to request edits and ask questions. On February 9th, Representative Janet Yang Rohr’s office will submit the completed legislation.
Reference: https://ilga.gov/commission/lrb/lrbabout.htm
February 2024
IATA has submitted The Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act (HB 5019) to the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) and received the LRB’s recommendations. The LRB’s primary task is the drafting and preparation of legislation. Additionally, the LRB ensures compliance with other existing legislation. Nonpartisan attorneys who work at the LRB provide legal advice and assist in drafting legislation. After reviewing the LRB’s draft, IATA had time to review recommended changes, ask clarifying questions, and request additional changes. IATA submitted questions and edits on February 2, 2024. The LRB reviewed the proposed edits and made the approved changes to The Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act. On February 9th, Representative Janet Yang Rohr’s office submitted the completed proposal which will make The Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act viewable to the public. You can read the full Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act (HB 5019)
You can read the full Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act (HB 5019) here.
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=112&GA=103&DocTypeId=HB&DocNum=5019&GAID=17&LegID=152987&SpecSess=&Session=
On February 27,2024 AATA Policy & Communications Coordinator, Meredith Ashley reached out to the House Rules Committee. The House Rules Committee is responsible for assigning bills to a committee for review. Our goal now is to communicate to the House Rules Committee the importance of assigning HB 5019 to a committee. If HB 5019 is not assigned to a committee, then the bill does not move forward and IATA would have to wait until the 2025 legislative cycle to resubmit our bill.
IATA is in the process of collecting statements of support for HB 5019 and testimony of individuals who have seen first hand how impactful and effective art therapy is. If you or someone you know is willing to share a statement of support or testimony please fill out this form here.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIdjdfd0KxRcZibt2OLf6QovUzn1wWEUulw_d4lx1YK_q_Lg/viewform
IATA wants to thank Erick Deshaun Dorris, Director of Community Organization at Arts Alliance IL and Arts Alliance for their support of the Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act (HB 5019). We are deeply grateful for your support of independent licensing for art therapists.
April 2024
In February 2024 the Illinois Art Therapy Association and American Art Therapy Association submitted The Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act with the sponsorship of State Representative Janet Rohr's office. The bill was recently assigned to the Health Care Licenses Committee. You can read the entire bill and follow the progress of the Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act (HB 5019) here.
After the bill's introduction, the National Social Workers Association expressed opposition to the bill. While they are not opposed to licensure for art therapists they are concerned about the title protection provided in Section 35. More specifically, the association opposed the following language:
“A person may not engage in the practice of art therapy using the title "licensed clinical professional art therapist", "licensed associate art therapist", or use the abbreviation, "LCPAT" or "LAAT" or any other title, designation, word, letter, abbreviation or insignia indicating the practice of art therapy unless licensed under this Act.”
A representative from the association explained that concerns arose due to the concerns that this language "restricts existing clinical professionals from implying or marketing that they do art therapy, which is also a methodology practiced by my members." NSWA maintains that art therapy is a methodology and not a distinct discipline. In response to this opposition, IATA has been gathering testimony to demonstrate the importance of title protection and evidence of art therapy as a distinct profession.
Shortly after this opposition came to light, the Illinois Department of Financial Professional Regulation expressed concerns that outweighed the concerns of NSWA. The IDPFR stated "Our GC over the counseling professions holds that art therapy is within the scope of practice of clinical professional counseling and that all persons currently practicing art therapy in Illinois (with a license) are LCPCs now. There are many subspecialties within that profession." IDFPR gave IATA and AATA the option to move forward with a version of the bill that had been reduced to title protection under the LCPC license or allow the bill to die. After extensive deliberation with the AATA National Office and art therapists who have successfully advocated in their states, it was determined that this bill would legally define art therapy as a subspecialty of counseling thus severely hindering any future licensure efforts.
Therefore, we have made the difficult decision not to move forward with the bill at this time. Opposition from both NSWA and IDFPR has highlighted that a large portion of the public perceives art therapy as a "sub-specialty" of other disciplines. Going forward, our chapter’s main goal is to work on educating the public.
Thus, the Illinois Art Therapy Association and American Art Therapy Association are continuing to work toward independent licensure by gathering testimony and educating our legislators and community. We encourage all art therapists, whether or not they are members of IATA to educate your legislators and community about what art therapy really is and its benefits. We hope to reintroduce our bill in the near future once we have gained additional awareness and support. Should we succeed, State Representative Janet Yang Rohr's office would be willing to work with us in the future to move this licensure effort forward.
The process of pursuing licensure has also shed light on two other challenges our profession may potentially face in the future. These challenges stem from the impact of potentially joining the counseling compact. Currently, 17 of the 33 states that have joined the counseling compact have some form of CACREP requirement. In some states, these educational requirements have prevented art therapy degrees from being accepted for counseling licenses. Thus, joining the compact raises concern about how educational programs in the state may be impacted.
A bill to further align educational requirements with CACREP standards has already been introduced in this legislative cycle. Though it provides exceptions for non-CACREP programs, there is no specific naming of CAAHEP or equivalent accreditation in the bill. Fortunately, we have received reassurance that art therapists and our educational institutions will not be impacted if the bill is passed, so there is no immediate risk. However, this legislation serves as an example of how changes in legislation can have large impacts on our educational institutions and the profession. We know if this trend continues in the future, we may reach a point where our educational institutions cannot meet CACREP standards due to the full-time staff requirements imposed by CACREP.
Additionally, we have received assurance that Illinois does not intend to join the counseling compact until there are protections in place where Illinois is not required to uphold other states' laws. According to the IDFPR, , "compacts require member states to honor the laws of other member states that govern the practice area. Further, compacts require member states to ratify them word-for-word (which makes them difficult to amend)".
Given the information we have received about the counseling compact, IATA believes an independent art therapy license could offer another pathway for art therapy to thrive in Illinois, regardless of what may or may not happen with the counseling compact and CACREP. As we have shared, colleagues continue to believe that art therapy is not a discipline or only a modality. Licensure would offer art therapists professional recognition as a distinct discipline, a seat at the table when determining regulation, and serve as the first step towards receiving insurance reimbursement.
While we did not achieve the result we were hoping for, this process has been an excellent learning experience. IATA has a tremendous amount of work to do around education and advocacy but this experience has highlighted the importance of defining our field more distinctly and working towards having more representation legislatively. Having an independent license creates a pathway to do so.
We hope to have your continued support, thank you for your consideration and all you do to serve the people of Illinois.
Sincerely,
The Illinois Art Therapy Association & The American Art Therapy Association
In February 2024 the Illinois Art Therapy Association and American Art Therapy Association submitted The Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act with the sponsorship of State Representative Janet Rohr's office. The bill was recently assigned to the Health Care Licenses Committee. You can read the entire bill and follow the progress of the Art Therapy Licensing and Practice Act (HB 5019) here.
After the bill's introduction, the National Social Workers Association expressed opposition to the bill. While they are not opposed to licensure for art therapists they are concerned about the title protection provided in Section 35. More specifically, the association opposed the following language:
“A person may not engage in the practice of art therapy using the title "licensed clinical professional art therapist", "licensed associate art therapist", or use the abbreviation, "LCPAT" or "LAAT" or any other title, designation, word, letter, abbreviation or insignia indicating the practice of art therapy unless licensed under this Act.”
A representative from the association explained that concerns arose due to the concerns that this language "restricts existing clinical professionals from implying or marketing that they do art therapy, which is also a methodology practiced by my members." NSWA maintains that art therapy is a methodology and not a distinct discipline. In response to this opposition, IATA has been gathering testimony to demonstrate the importance of title protection and evidence of art therapy as a distinct profession.
Shortly after this opposition came to light, the Illinois Department of Financial Professional Regulation expressed concerns that outweighed the concerns of NSWA. The IDPFR stated "Our GC over the counseling professions holds that art therapy is within the scope of practice of clinical professional counseling and that all persons currently practicing art therapy in Illinois (with a license) are LCPCs now. There are many subspecialties within that profession." IDFPR gave IATA and AATA the option to move forward with a version of the bill that had been reduced to title protection under the LCPC license or allow the bill to die. After extensive deliberation with the AATA National Office and art therapists who have successfully advocated in their states, it was determined that this bill would legally define art therapy as a subspecialty of counseling thus severely hindering any future licensure efforts.
Therefore, we have made the difficult decision not to move forward with the bill at this time. Opposition from both NSWA and IDFPR has highlighted that a large portion of the public perceives art therapy as a "sub-specialty" of other disciplines. Going forward, our chapter’s main goal is to work on educating the public.
Thus, the Illinois Art Therapy Association and American Art Therapy Association are continuing to work toward independent licensure by gathering testimony and educating our legislators and community. We encourage all art therapists, whether or not they are members of IATA to educate your legislators and community about what art therapy really is and its benefits. We hope to reintroduce our bill in the near future once we have gained additional awareness and support. Should we succeed, State Representative Janet Yang Rohr's office would be willing to work with us in the future to move this licensure effort forward.
The process of pursuing licensure has also shed light on two other challenges our profession may potentially face in the future. These challenges stem from the impact of potentially joining the counseling compact. Currently, 17 of the 33 states that have joined the counseling compact have some form of CACREP requirement. In some states, these educational requirements have prevented art therapy degrees from being accepted for counseling licenses. Thus, joining the compact raises concern about how educational programs in the state may be impacted.
A bill to further align educational requirements with CACREP standards has already been introduced in this legislative cycle. Though it provides exceptions for non-CACREP programs, there is no specific naming of CAAHEP or equivalent accreditation in the bill. Fortunately, we have received reassurance that art therapists and our educational institutions will not be impacted if the bill is passed, so there is no immediate risk. However, this legislation serves as an example of how changes in legislation can have large impacts on our educational institutions and the profession. We know if this trend continues in the future, we may reach a point where our educational institutions cannot meet CACREP standards due to the full-time staff requirements imposed by CACREP.
Additionally, we have received assurance that Illinois does not intend to join the counseling compact until there are protections in place where Illinois is not required to uphold other states' laws. According to the IDFPR, , "compacts require member states to honor the laws of other member states that govern the practice area. Further, compacts require member states to ratify them word-for-word (which makes them difficult to amend)".
Given the information we have received about the counseling compact, IATA believes an independent art therapy license could offer another pathway for art therapy to thrive in Illinois, regardless of what may or may not happen with the counseling compact and CACREP. As we have shared, colleagues continue to believe that art therapy is not a discipline or only a modality. Licensure would offer art therapists professional recognition as a distinct discipline, a seat at the table when determining regulation, and serve as the first step towards receiving insurance reimbursement.
While we did not achieve the result we were hoping for, this process has been an excellent learning experience. IATA has a tremendous amount of work to do around education and advocacy but this experience has highlighted the importance of defining our field more distinctly and working towards having more representation legislatively. Having an independent license creates a pathway to do so.
We hope to have your continued support, thank you for your consideration and all you do to serve the people of Illinois.
Sincerely,
The Illinois Art Therapy Association & The American Art Therapy Association
Are you interested to know how a bill becomes law in Illinois? Check out this PDF file below for detail:
| billbecomeslawwithedits.pdf |
